States with the most drivers to win the Daytona 500

T-No. 2 – Five racers from each state 

Two U.S. states are tied for having the second-most drivers to have won the Daytona 500. 

CALIFORNIA 

Derrike Cope: Born in San Diego, California, Cope grew up as a baseball player, but ended his track to the pros after he suffered a knee injury while playing at Whitman College. Cope was able to pivot directions thanks to his dad, who was an engine builder, and all things led him to win the 1990 Daytona 500.

Ernie Irvan: Born in Salinas, California, Irvan began racing go-karts at 9 years old and the rest became history – including a checkered flag at the 1991 Daytona 500.  

Jeff Gordon: Born in Vallejo, California, Gordon got into racing thanks to his stepdad; Gordon rode a BMX bike that his stepfather bought for him when he was 4 years old. Interestingly enough, Gordon was training to become a professional water skier in his teens, but fate led him back to the steering wheel and Daytona 500 wins in 1997, 1999 and 2005. 

Jimmie Johnson: Born in El Cajon, California, Johnson began his career at 4 years old on two wheels with motorcycles. He eventually made the move to four wheels and earned his Daytona 500 wins in 2006 and 2013. 

Kevin Harvick Born in Bakersfield, California, Harvick began kart racing after his parents bought him a go-kart as a kindergarten graduation gift. As a high schooler at North High, Harvick played baseball, basketball, football, soccer and even wrestled. His decision to choose racing led him to win the 2007 Daytona 500.

FLORIDA 

Fireball Roberts: Born in Tavares, Florida, Edward Glenn “Fireball” Roberts Jr. earned his nickname because of his insane fastball. In college, Roberts learned that he enjoyed the fast lane more and the late discovery led him to win the 1962 Daytona 500. 

LeeRoy Yarbrough: Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Yarbrough grew up with a need for speed. He put together his first car at 16 years old and entered local competitions to train for his eventual win in the 1969 Daytona 500. 

Bobby Allison: Born in Miami, Florida, Bobby’s parents didn’t even allow him to race. But, his defiance led him to a historic career, including triple Daytona 500 wins from 1978, 1982 and 1988. 

Davey Allison: Born in Hollywood, Florida, Davey, being the son of Bobby Allison, had it much easier in his quest onto the track. He worked alongside his dad’s team after graduating high school and ended up winning the 1992 Daytona 500.  

February 14, 1988#30thDaytona500
Bobby Allison holds off his son Davey to become the oldest driver to win a 500.
This was Bobby’s 3rd #Daytona win and final career victory #Daytona500 #NASCAR
pic.twitter.com/6didd5jl7O

— Old Nascar Film (@oldnascarfilm) February 19, 2023

Denny Hamlin: Born in Tampa, Florida, Hamlin found much racing success at an early age through go-karts. He had fully supportive parents and ultimately won the Daytona 500 in 2016, 2019 and 2020.